Accidental U of Iowa fire blamed on extension cord

IOWA CITY, Iowa (AP) — Officials are blaming an idle electrical extension cord for an accidental fire that damaged the Bowen Science Building at the University of Iowa campus in Iowa City.

The university said in a news release Tuesday that the damage estimate from the June 11 fire has been raised to at least $1.5 million and doesn't include damage to lab equipment or supplies that may need repairing or replacing.